Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Sacramento, CA recorded 314 traffic deaths in 298 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 11.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 75/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities (#32 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Sacramento, California?
Sacramento has a Road Danger Score of 75/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 298 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 314 people — 11.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Sacramento ranks #32 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Sacramento's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Sacramento rose 3% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Sacramento’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 298 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Sacramento | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 87 | 29.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 79 | 26.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 158 | 53.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 193 | 64.8% | 49.8% |
Sacramento Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Sacramento, California from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2022 | 77 |
| 2021 | 72 |
| 2020 | 45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Sacramento, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Sacramento recorded 298 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 314 traffic deaths — an average of 62.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Sacramento?
Sacramento has a Road Danger Score of 75/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 75% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Sacramento?
Of Sacramento's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 29% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 53% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Sacramento each year?
An average of 62.8 people per year died in car accidents in Sacramento over the most recent five-year period (314 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Sacramento more dangerous than in other California cities?
Sacramento ranks #32 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #534 of 2,153 nationally.